Is Crash Avoidance Technology Really Safer?

By
Alex & Associates, P.C.
|February 06, 2018

Crash avoidance technology allows cars to alert drivers to dangerous conditions
on the road. This gives drivers a better chance to avoid an accident.
If the driver doesn’t take proper action, the car itself may be
able to take control and prevent a crash, depending on the type of technology it has.

While some types of crash avoidance technology, known as advanced driver
assistance systems (ADA), allow the driver to take control of the vehicle
in emergency situations, autonomous driving cars will be able to drive
completely without the interaction of the driver. Will this technology
make the roads a safer place, as intended? Or will they actually put drivers
at greater risk of an accident?

Crash Avoidance Systems – What You Need to Know

Crash avoidance technology uses hazard alerts, as well as automatic braking
and steering control, to help prevent an accident. The car has sensors
on all sides that detect when the car is getting too close to an object.
If the driver does not perform adequate evasive maneuvers, the car will
automatically take over and avoid a crash.

There are several types of crash avoidance technology systems. These include:

Forward collision warning

Blind spot detection

Automatic braking

Back up parking assistance

Adaptive headlights

Lane departure warning and prevention

How Effective Are These Crash Avoidance Systems?

In a safety analysis study conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute,
three of the most common types of crash avoidance systems were examined.
These included forward collision warning systems, adaptive headlights,
and lane departure warning systems. Forward collision warning technology,
which alerts the driver if the car is going dangerously fast toward an
obstacle in the road, proved to be very effective in lowering the number
of accidents. Some forward collision systems also have automatic brake
functions that kick in if the driver does not respond in time.

Furthermore, adaptive headlights proved to be very safe and effective.
Adaptive headlights move in the direction of the steering wheel to help
drivers see behind curves at night, and vary with the car’s speed
and angle of the turn. They reduced accident claims by about 10%.

Lane departure warning systems, which use sensors to help drivers stay
within traffic lanes, were not as effective in reducing accident claims.
In fact, these systems actually increased the number of claims overall.
Lane departure warning systems use cameras to detect lane markings and
alert the driver if the car starts to drift to one side. However, this
technology is not always accurate, as lane markings can be difficult to see.

Crash Avoidance Technology & Driver Responsibility

While some crash avoidance technology improves the safety of drivers, other
types may put them at greater risk. One reason for this is that the sensors
could send too many warnings. Hyperactive sensors may give the driver
a lot of unnecessary hazard alerts. This may cause the driver to ignore
or tune out the warnings, making the system ineffective. Furthermore,
the technology is not perfect. If it inaccurately senses a danger and
takes automatic correction by steering or braking, it could actually cause
an accident.

Even with crash avoidance systems, drivers owe a duty of care to others
on the road. This means they must stay alert and aware of any hazardous
road conditions to protect themselves and others while driving. Further
research is needed to explore the benefits and risks of crash avoidance
technology and self-driving cars.

Knowledgeable Car Accident Attorneys Serving Phoenix

If you have been injured in a car wreck, Alex & Associates can help. Our
Phoenix car accident lawyers have years of experience. We will work hard to build your case and represent
you to insurance companies as you seek justice.

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